Introduction

This study first outlines the social, economic and cultural frameworks underlying Sudanese migrants’ propensity to remit funds, and gives details on the target population and the purported purposes for which money is remitted. Second, an analysis is given of the informal remittance systems in which Sudanese migrants are immersed. It addresses general dimensions of the remittance process such as the range of informal methods used to transfer funds; however, also examined is the applicability of the informal/formal distinction. Third, the study explores to what extent Sudanese remittances may be leveraged for development. What will be argued in this preliminary study is the lack of any indication of a “development” capacity for contemporary migrant remittances.